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16 September 2025
Former DHS officer sentenced to 70 months for laundering drug proceedsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former deportation officer has been sentenced for laundering money while working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christopher Washington Toral, 49, Spring, pleaded guilty Feb. 27.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now ordered Toral to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay a $20,000 fine. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that detailed Toral’s willingness to use his badge and gun to protect what he believed to be cartel drug money.
“Federal officers are imbued with tremendous power, and with that power comes a great responsibility to uphold the people’s trust. When those same officers choose to engage in corrupt acts, they not only break the law, they strike at the heart of public confidence in our system of government,” said Ganjei. “In choosing personal gain over his duty to his fellow citizens, Toral effectively chose prison over honor.”
“When a sworn officer uses the badge to shield criminal activity, the damage extends far beyond a single crime; it strikes at the very foundation of public trust,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Christopher Toral decided to put personal gain over public duty. Today’s sentencing is the result of a shared commitment by FBI Houston and DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG) to root out corruption wherever it hides.”
“Serving the public as a law enforcement officer demands the utmost integrity,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D. “We, along with our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain resolute to ensure law enforcement officers who break the public’s trust are held accountable.”
Toral began working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2008 and was assigned to a processing center in Conroe. Over a two-month period in 2023, he used his position as a federal law enforcement officer to transport $700,000 in drug proceeds under the guise of official duties.
As part of an undercover operation, Toral agreed to transport a black bag containing $200,000 in cash from Dallas to Houston in February 2023, believing the money was from illegal narcotics sales. He made the same trip later that month delivering an additional $200,000.
In March, Toral flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston with $300,000 in suspected drug money, bypassing airport security and Transportation Security Administration by exploiting his law enforcement position.
Toral did all this in exchange for cash payments.
Toral was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI and DHS-OIG conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Foreign Fighter Convicted in April 2018 Double Homicide and Armed Robbery of Florida CoupleRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Craig Austin Lang (35, Kyiv, Ukraine) guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and a violation of the Neutrality Act. Lang faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026. Lang was indicted on December 4, 2019.
According to testimony presented at trial, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual that had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Lang was identified as one of two individuals that was believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery to steal $3,000 that the couple had intended to use to purchase the firearms.
Lang, who had previously fought in Ukraine, pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund travel to Venezuela. Lang’s co-defendant, Alex Zwiefelhofer, was previously convicted of the same offenses and sentenced to consecutive life-sentences.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Benjamin S. Winter.
Florida Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Akeem Davis, age 31, of Brandon, Florida, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Davis admitted that he drove from Florida to Latham, New York, to sell a privately manufactured firearm—often referred to as a “ghost gun”— styled as a sub-machine gun in exchange for $1,200. Davis could not legally possess the firearm as he had been previously convicted of a Kansas state felony drug charge. Davis also offered to sell machine gun conversion devices and firearm silencers.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Akeem Davis, a convicted drug felon, traveled across state lines to peddle a highly dangerous ‘ghost gun’—a firearm that has no serial number and is virtually untraceable. His actions, fueled by blatant disregard for the law, are a reminder that this office will not tolerate felons who attempt to flood our streets with illegal, unregulated weapons. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like Davis, using every available legal tool to ensure they face the full weight of the law. Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and we will continue to dismantle criminal networks that threaten our communities.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated:“Those who traffic in illegal firearms — including machine guns and silencers — will be held accountable. These weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.”
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 2-year term of post-release supervision.
ATF investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Paulbeck prosecuted this case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Fentanyl Overdose Death Leads to Oklahoma Trio being Sentenced to Serve 26 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH PRESTON ANDERSON, 37, and TIFFANI AMBER STEVENS, 31, of Oklahoma City, and KALUB LYNN ROBINSON, 30, of Blanchard, have been sentenced for their roles in distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, beginning in at least September 2023, Anderson and Stevens were engaged in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to others. On December 3, 2023, the two distributed fentanyl powder to Robinson, and Robinson distributed that fentanyl to another person the following day, the use of which led to the victim’s death. Public record further reflects that, despite knowing of the victim’s death, Anderson and Stevens continued to sell fentanyl through January 2024. Anderson and Stevens were charged with a drug conspiracy in May 2025 and have pleaded guilty. On October 22, 2024, Robinson was charged with distribution of fentanyl, a charge to which he has since pleaded guilty as well.
At their sentencing hearings on September 15, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Anderson to serve 180 months, Stevens to serve 72 months, and Robinson to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each. The defendants were also each ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,725.60, amounting to a total restitution award of $8,176.80. In announcing his sentences, Judge Russell stated that the circumstances were “tragic beyond belief” and expressed that the world must know that there are significant consequences for dealing fentanyl.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96JQ56kuJQI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Assistant Director of Spokane Tribe’s Division of Child and Family Services of Twenty-Five Counts of Bank Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 11, 2025, a federal a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Tawhnee Willow Colvin, of Davenport, Washington, of twenty-five counts of Bank Fraud and one count of Embezzlement from the Spokane Tribe of Indians committed while she was employed by the Tribe.
As evidence presented at the trial established, Colvin was employed as Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). As part of her position as Assistant Director of DCFS, Colvin had access to the Spokane Tribe of Indians bank account which held per capita funds to be used for the care of needy children who were in temporary custody of the Tribe. Between October 2019 and November 2023, Colvin abused her position of trust to make more than seventy fraudulent money transfers, starting with small transfers until she eventually transferred thousands of dollars at a time, totaling over $50,000, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal bank account. She also took out over $50,000 cash from the same bank account. Colvin was terminated from her position at the Tribe on October 23, 2023, but even after her termination she continued to fraudulently transfer funds to her personal account.
“For years, Ms. Colvin abused the faith placed in her as a public servant to steal tribal funds intended to care for children in foster care,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “For her own personal gain, she stole more than $100,000, leaving the account almost completely drained. Every one of these dozens of transfers diverted resources away from the most vulnerable members of our society and into her pockets. The FBI is committed to holding accountable fraudsters who choose greed instead of safeguarding the funds under their stewardship.”
“In an egregious breach of trust and solely for her own personal interest, Ms. Colvin exploited her position as the Assistant Director of DCFS for the Spokane Tribe of Indian to steal thousands of dollars from vulnerable children over a period of years,” stated United States Attorney Serrano. “Brazenly, Ms. Colvin continued her crimes even after the Tribe terminated her employment. Sadly, it remains unknown how many children Ms. Colvin harmed through her crimes. The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful for the diligent efforts of the FBI who investigated this case, the trust and collaboration of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the prosecutors and staff at our office who ensured Ms. Colvin was brought to justice.”
A press release was previously issued by the Spokane Tribe of Indians who thanked the FBI and US Attorney’s Office for their work in bringing this important case to a close.
Colvin’s sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley.
2:24-CR-0148-RLP
Executive of Miami-Based Seafood Wholesale Company Pleads Guilty to Price-Fixing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The vice president of a Miami-based seafood wholesaler pleaded guilty today to conspiring with competitors to fix prices for the purchase of stone crab claws and spiny lobster in Florida.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida, Dennis Dopico, of Miami, was a vice president for a company that operated a seafood processing center that sold stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. Between 2023 and 2025, Dopico conspired with competing companies and their employees to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing the prices paid to fishermen for stone crab claws and spiny lobsters. This conspiracy deprived fishermen in Florida the benefits of competition, depressing the prices paid to fishermen for their harvests.
“Criminal conspiracies to deprive hardworking Americans the right to earn a fair wage are untenable in a free society. As the defendant admits, his price fixing conspiracy unfairly took money out of the pockets of hardworking fishermen for years,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that hard working Americans are paid competitively for an honest day’s work.”
“Price fixing cheats fishermen, squeezes restaurants, and makes families pay more at the table,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “We will protect honest competition from the boat to the dinner table.”
“This case highlights the serious consequences of undermining the integrity of our nation’s natural resource markets,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Price-fixing schemes not only disrupt fair competition but also threaten American businesses and the sustainability of our valuable fisheries. We remain committed to working with our federal partners to hold accountable those who exploit our natural resources for unlawful profit.”
Dopico and his co-conspirators exchanged text messages and calls in which they coordinated and agreed on the prices they would pay fishermen and would adjust the prices together as the respective harvest seasons progressed. For example, on Sept. 28, 2023, following communications with a co-conspirator about spiny lobster prices Dopico replied “[d]on’t show text to anyone[.] Confidential,” to which the co-conspirator responded, “I give you my word. We’re working together now not against each other[.]” Later, on Oct. 13, 2023, the same co-conspirator texted Dopico new stone crab claw prices. Dopico responded, “[l]et me know what you do. I am matching your prices. It’s the one we like the most.”
In the plea agreement filed today, Dopico admitted that the volume of commerce attributable to him and related to the conspiracy was approximately $8 million.
Dopico pleaded guilty to one felony count of restraining trade by conspiring to fix prices, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The court set Dopico’s sentencing hearing for Jan. 5, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is investigating this case.
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Exactech Agrees to Pay $8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations for Selling Defective Knee Implant DevicesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Exactech Inc. agreed to pay $8 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act. A medical device company based in Gainesville, Florida, Exactech allegedly violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with defective knee-replacement devices. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the settlement as part of the pending Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving Exactech.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.
This settlement relates to two separate components of Exactech’s total-knee replacement systems. First, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2008, Exactech knew that its finned tibial tray — a metal component of its knee replacement system that fits into a patient’s tibia — failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on Medicare, Medicaid, and VA beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the component for surgeries between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018.
Additionally, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2019, Exactech knew that the polyethylene component in certain Logic and Truliant knee-replacement systems failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on government beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the Logic and Truliant knee systems with defective polyethylene components for use during total-knee replacement surgeries between January 1, 2019, and February 7, 2022.
“Patients who need a medical device to enjoy their lives rely on device manufacturers to put patient safety first. When a manufacturer learns that its device is defective, it must promptly and transparently address the problem,” Hayes said. “We will hold companies accountable who knowingly sell defective devices.”
“Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the health and safety of patients,” Escalona said. “Medical device manufacturers must ensure their medical devices, which may be implanted in patients’ bodies, meet the necessary standards of safety and effectiveness at all times.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Exactech will pay a total of $8 million, $7,640,000 of which is the federal share. The states are entering into separate agreements with Exactech related to the $360,000 state share. The settlement is based on Exactech’s financial condition.
This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Brooks Wallace, Robert Farley and Dr. Manuel Fuentes in a case captioned United States ex rel. Wallace v. Exactech, Inc., No. 7:18-cv-1010 (N.D. Ala.) (the “Alabama Action”) and by Dr. Pasquale Petrera in a case captioned United States ex rel. Petrera v. Exactech, Inc., Civil No. 21-3325-SAG (D. Md.) (the “Maryland Action”). Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the settlement provides for the Alabama whistleblowers to receive a $1,329,360 share of the settlement amount and the Maryland whistleblower to receive a $565,360 share of the settlement amount. The resolution obtained in this matter is the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland and Northern District of Alabama, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
This investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields and Michael Wilson, Office for the District of Maryland; Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Long, Office for the Northern District of Alabama; and Senior Trial Counsel Michael Hoffman, DOJ Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section who all handled this matter
The claims resolved by the settlement are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.
Enterprise, Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy Involving Shipments from CaliforniaRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, AL – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that 35-year-old James Walker, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Walker pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced on September 16, 2025. Following his prison term, Walker will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records and Walker’s plea agreement, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service began investigating a drug-trafficking network moving fentanyl from California to Alabama. Investigators determined that Walker conspired with others, including 33-year-old Shanarion Lee of La Mesa, California, and 32-year-old Hillary Lewis of Lemon Grove, California, to ship controlled substances to multiple addresses in the Middle District of Alabama.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, federal agents intercepted several packages containing counterfeit pills made to resemble oxycodone tablets. Laboratory testing confirmed that the pills contained fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. On June 4, 2025, Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Lee and Lewis also pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges earlier this year. Lee was previously sentenced to 46 months in prison, while Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 2, 2025.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Enterprise Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits prosecuted the case.
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms the Use of Deadly Force by a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer was ReasonableRead the Press Release
FARGO: Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor, finding that law enforcement officers acted reasonably under the circumstances and the United States is not liable for the shooting death of George “Ryan” Gipp, Jr. (“Gipp”) during a confrontation with Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) officers in October 2017 on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
BIA officers responded to a report that Gipp discharged a firearm at a gas station in Ft. Yates. Gipp and family members left the scene but were pulled over by law enforcement on a rural highway a few miles outside of town. The Eighth Circuit said, “[Gipp], who was under the influence of multiple substances, refused to follow their instructions. When one tried to arrest him, he backed away, balled his fists, and moved into a ‘bladed stance.’ After losing sight of [Gipp’s] hands, the officer fired his taser twice. Tasing [Gipp] just caused him to run and hide behind the other officer’s truck. After a few ‘quick peeks’ at the officers, [Gipp] fumbled with something in his hoodie pocket and pulled out a shiny black object.” Fearing the object was a firearm, one of the officers fired his service weapon, fatally wounding Gipp.
The Eighth Circuit continued, “The record … shows that the use of deadly force was reasonable. By that point, [Gipp] had already resisted arrest, shaken off two taser shots, crouched behind a truck, and pulled what looked like a gun from his hoodie pocket. … The situation had gone from dangerous to potentially deadly as [Gipp’s] actions became increasingly erratic and aggressive.”
The firearm discharged by Gipp at the gas station, and thrown out the window of the vehicle prior to being stopped by the police, was later found in a ditch. The weapon was a shotgun loaded with 7 slug rounds of live ammunition typically used for large game or self-defense and had a 13-inch knife taped to it like a bayonet, along with a flashlight. Among the items found on or near Gipp were brass knuckles, additional shotgun ammunition, a 7.5-inch AR stock wrench, a handcuff key, and a folding knife.
“Every time a law enforcement officer goes on duty to protect and serve the public, he or she selflessly places themselves in harm’s way,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl. “The risk to police officers is all too real,” she continued, “and these rulings recognize the dangerous, difficult, and rapidly evolving conditions officers must operate in.”
The case is Gipp, et al. v. United States of America, U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota, Case No. 1:19-cv-00213, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Case No. 24-1379. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys James Patrick Thomas and Sarah E. Wall of the District of North Dakota, and Senior Trial Attorney Siegmund F. Fuchs and Trial Attorney Joseph A. Gonzalez of the Torts Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice.
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Eight Defendants Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Narcotics Distribution, and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
A 23-count indictment was unsealed today charging seven defendants variously with firearms trafficking, conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and related offenses. John Donaldson, also known as “Jay,” Juanita Figueroa, Ronald Jackson, also known as “Stuben,” and Nicholas Willacy, also known as “Light,” were arrested in New York and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. Marcus Dyce, also known as “John John,” was arrested in Missouri and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of Missouri. Lonney Walker, also known as “Hollywood,” was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina. Coty Harley is in state custody in New York and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. An eighth defendant, Juancarlos Hechavarria, Sr., charged separately by complaint, was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants sold a significant number of pistols, rifles, and bags of crack cocaine in Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Bronx,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Gun violence and the proliferation of narcotics are serious and ongoing threats to our communities. Our Office and federal and local law enforcement are committed to protecting the public by stopping the flow of dangerous firearms and narcotics into the hands of criminals by using proactive investigations and collaborating with our law enforcement partners.”
“These eight defendants allegedly orchestrated a national trafficking network to import 37 firearms, including assault-style rifles and extended magazines, into the tristate region, while some distributed narcotics as another source of illicit income,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Their alleged criminal behavior unnecessarily introduced deadly weapons and drugs into our communities, posing a significant threat to the lives of the surrounding public unaware of these illegal transactions. May today’s Operation Summer Heat takedown emphasize the FBI’s steadfast commitment to continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners to disrupt any unlawful sales fueling criminal activity in our city.”
“These alleged gun traffickers flooded communities in the Bronx and Staten Island with dozens of dangerous firearms, including assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that have no business on the streets of New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The members of the NYPD work tirelessly to identify and dismantle these criminal networks that bring illegal guns and drugs into our city and put people in harm's way. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for putting a stop to this dangerous pipeline.”
As alleged in the indictment and court documents, from August 2022 through August 2025, Donaldson, Dyce, Walker and Harley variously engaged in multiple transactions involving the sale of 37 illegal firearms in Staten Island, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Several of the sales took place in the middle of the day in residential areas where members of the public were engaging in daily activities. At least one of the defendants transported firearms from South Carolina to be sold onto the streets of New York. The firearms were predominantly traced to southern states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, and Georgia, and included AR-15 style rifles, shotguns, and pistols of various calibers; semiautomatic weapons; and several extended magazines, including a drum magazine capable of holding approximately 100 rounds of ammunition.
As alleged in the complaint, in addition to the above firearms sales, Hechavarria, Sr., who Dyce connected with a buyer, sold three firearms in exchange for $3,100 in Brooklyn outside a restaurant in broad daylight. All three firearms were traced to South Carolina.
As alleged in the indictment and court documents, several of the defendants also engaged in narcotics trafficking conspiracies involving the sale of cocaine base in the community. On two occasions, Harley sold at least one firearm and cocaine base in one transaction. Following his incarceration on unrelated charges, Harley continued to arrange for the sale of cocaine base in New York communities, including through Figueroa, Willacy and Jackson. As a result, Willacy sold approximately 18 grams of cocaine base in August 2025 and Jackson sold a total of approximately 50 grams of cocaine base from June 2025 through July 2025.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The joint investigation was conducted by the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Pak is in charge of the prosecution of Donaldson, Dyce, Figueroa, Harley, Jackson, Walker and Willacy. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution of Hechavarria, Sr.
The Defendants:
JOHN DONALDSON (also known as “Jay”)
Age: 61
Bronx, New YorkMARCUS DYCE (also known as “John John”)
Age: 50
St. Louis, MissouriJUANITA FIGUEROA
Age: 44
Staten Island, New YorkCOTY HARLEY (also known as “Boatee”)
Age: 39
Staten Island, New YorkRONALD JACKSON (also known as “Stuben”)
Age: 43
Staten Island, New YorkLONNEY WALKER (also known as “Hollywood”)
Age: 48
Columbia, South CarolinaNICHOLAS WILLACY (also known as “Light”)
Age: 47
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-278 (BMC)
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JUANCARLOS HECHAVARRIA SR. (also known as “Los”)
Age: 52
Sumter, South CarolinaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-273
Ecuadorian National Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ecuadorian national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. The defendant attempted to enter the U.S. six times and was arrested in Lawrence, Mass., in November 2021 on state charges of assault and battery for which he received a suspended sentence and was released from state custody without notice to immigration authorities.
Carlos Guaico-Bano, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to six months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Guaico-Bano pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Rios-Nolasco was arrested in May 2025.
On Feb. 4, 2020, Feb. 10, 2020, Feb. 19, 2020 and March 3, 2020, Guaico-Bano was encountered by Border Patrol in Brackettville, Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. In each of these four instances, it was determined that Guaico-Bano had no lawful right to be present in the United States and returned him to the Mexican side of the border.
During his March 3, 2020, encounter with Border Patrol, Guaico-Bano was served with a Notice to Appear at removal proceedings on March 10, 2020. However, instead of appearing for removal proceedings as directed, Guaico-Bano attempted to enter the U.S. without permission for a fifth time. Guaico-Bano was immediately placed into custody and processed for removal back to Ecuador. He was ordered removed from the United States the same day.
In September 2020, Guaico-Bano was caught attempting to illegally enter the United States for a sixth time and was removed back to Ecuador.
On Nov. 23, 2021, immigration authorities became aware that Guaico-Bano had illegally reentered the United States following his arrest on Nov. 17, 2021, in Lawrence, for assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was later convicted of these charges and received an 18-month suspended sentence. However, Guaico-Bano was released from custody before immigration authorities could take action.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Melvin Villar, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Villar pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Villar was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.Villar was arrested by immigration authorities on Feb. 2, 2025, following his release from state custody on narcotics trafficking charges. In 2004, 2009, 2019 and 2021, Villar was previously removed following criminal convictions for immigration, drug and firearm offenses – including two prior convictions for unlawful reentry.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.
According to public court documents, David Anthony Tumea, 44, resided at a residential reentry center as a term of his federal supervised release resulting from a 2014 conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing ammunition as a felon. Residential Reentry Center staff located four flash drives inside Tumea’s hat when he entered the facility, which led to searches of Tumea’s vehicle and room where additional storage devices and a cell phone located. A total of 27 devices were seized from Tumea and multiple devices were found to contain child sexual abuse material.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Tumea will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tumea was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution.
Tumea’s supervised release for his prior federal conviction was revoked and the Court sentenced Tumea to 18 months imprisonment, consecutive to the 87-month sentence.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Violent Felon to Spend Three Decades in Federal Prison for Series of Six Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Robert Williams, 57, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, between July 8 and August 14 of 2023, Robert Williams committed six robberies of four different Dollar General stores across Indianapolis, stealing $1,799 total in cash. In each robbery, Williams flashed either a revolver or handgun in his waistband to intimidate employees and further the crime.
DateDollar General LocationJuly 8, 20235450 Emerson WayJuly 30, 20232131 Central AvenueAugust 7, 20232002 North Arlington AvenueAugust 11, 20232131 Central AvenueAugust 11, 20235450 Emerson WayAugust 14, 20233938 North Illinois StreetWilliams has a criminal history dating back nearly four decades, with convictions for theft, possession of a narcotic drug, battery against a public safety official, and domestic battery. These felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm.
“Six different times the defendant terrorized innocent people who simply had the misfortune to work at a business he decided to target for a few hundred dollars,” said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat criminals are a menace to our communities and must be held accountable. This sentence demonstrates that this type of violent lawlessness carries serious consequences.”
“Robert Williams made the choice to commit violent crimes, and now he will spend nearly three decades in federal prison because of it. He terrorized employees, brandished weapons, and tried to instill fear in our communities. That conduct is unacceptable, and today’s sentence proves there is a heavy price for it. The FBI will never hesitate to go after violent offenders. If you pick up a gun to commit crime, we will track you down, we will take you off the streets, and you will go to prison. It’s that simple,” said Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Chippewa Falls Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Leroy T. McNamara, 62, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 5, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. McNamara pleaded guilty to this charge on the same day.
During July 2024, McNamara sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions for a total of 335 grams.
At the sentencing, Judge Conley remarked that McNamara’s willingness to trade on the addictions of others through his escalated drug dealing made him a danger to society.
The charge against McNamara was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes prosecuted this case.
Federal drug cases are part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Chesterton Man Arrested for Threat to United States Naval AcademyRead the Press Release
CHESTERTON - Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana was arrested on September 12, 2025, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application concerning the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) was approved by a magistrate judge in the Northern District of Indiana on September 14, 2025.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by an information or indictment formally bringing federal charges. If formally charged, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) is punishable by a maximum of five years imprisonment.
This is a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana in cooperation with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Charleston County Magistrate Charged with Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Federal agents have arrested James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., 68, of Charleston, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material.*
The complaint alleges that agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about multiple financial transactions with a known distributor of child sexual abuse material from the United Kingdom. The payments came from a peer-to-peer online money transfer account associated with Gosnell’s known phone number, address, and email account. The transactions occurred in November 2024.
Thereafter, agents obtained a search warrant for Gosnell’s home and electronic devices. During the execution of the search warrant, agents located a flash drive containing numerous videos and images depicting child sexual abuse, including videos and images of prepubescent minors, infants, and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Gosnell was arrested this morning and is set to be arraigned Wednesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville, Whit Sowards, and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case.
All charges in a criminal complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”
Carlsbad Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Carlsbad man was sentenced to 211 months in prison after police chase and crash leads to the discovery of methamphetamine and firearms.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on June 5, 2022, a Carlsbad Police officer attempted a traffic stop on a speeding pickup driven by Christopher Saunders, 25, who fled at a high rate of speed, leading the officer to terminate the pursuit for safety reasons. Minutes later, the officer located the same truck after it had crashed and provided first aid to Saunders. During an inventory search of the pickup, officers found suspected methamphetamine and a firearm inside.
A subsequent search warrant uncovered 57.02 grams of methamphetamine and two loaded firearms. Saunders was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction in 2019.
Saunders pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a forearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Saunders will be subject to five years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Eddy County Sheriff's Office and Carlsbad Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman is prosecuting the case.
Career Offender Sentenced to 151 Months for Possessing Cocaine with an Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Randy Oliver, 44, of Memphis was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Oliver sold cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on June 1, 2023, and a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to the undercover agent on July 6, 2023. He then possessed 53 grams of cocaine when he was arrested on July 20, 2023 during another attempted drug transaction. Oliver has a lengthy criminal history including 11 convictions for drug and or firearms-related offenses; one of the federal convictions was for distribution of heroin in 2010.
On May 6, 2025, Oliver entered a plea of guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute it in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) before District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr.
On September 9, 2025, Judge Fowlkes sentenced Oliver, a career offender, to 151 months' imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy Cornejo, William Bateman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Raven Icaza prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
California Woman Guilty of Sex Trafficking of Minor ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JAZMIN MCKINNIE (“MCKINNIE”), age 32, of California, pled guilty on September 4, 2025 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
According to court documents, in May 2024, two adult men brought a fifteen-year-old girl from Houston, Texas to New Orleans, for the purpose of having her engage in commercial sex. MCKINNIE posted advertisements for commercial sex with the Minor Victim on online classified ad service websites.
In pleading guilty, MCKINNIE, faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
Judge Fallon set sentencing in this matter for January 8, 2026.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Distributing Drugs While ArmedRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Carlton Shoemaker, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this career criminal has been removed from our streets and there will be one fewer drug trafficker flooding our community with deadly drugs. My office is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward that goal.”
Court documents reflect that Shoemaker sold methamphetamine and cocaine from a motel room in Pensacola, Florida. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s motel room in May 2025, officers located cocaine, marijuana, two firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Shoemaker is a convicted felon and has multiple prior convictions, including Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of Cocaine, and Grand Theft of a Firearm.
Shoemaker faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Christopher Patterson.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon from Homestead Charged with Unlawful Firearm, MacHine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Vinson Tavaris Brown, 33, of Homestead, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machinegun. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Brown appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 12, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for October 27, 2025, before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
If convicted, Brown faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and up to ten years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of a machinegun.
The Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Eagle Chambers, age 39, of Colbert, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of Firearm & Ammunition by Prohibited Person, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on March 26, 2025, Chambers knowingly possessed a pistol and ammunition after a hearing in which he received actual notice of being subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury, and which by its terms explicitly prohibited the use, attempted use, or threatened used of physical force.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Achille Police Department.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Chambers will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
Browning woman sentenced to over 2 years in prison for embezzling from Heart Butte School DistrictRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Browning woman who took over $30,000 from Heart Butte School District was sentenced today to 25 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jonnie Jo Fransis Spotted Eagle, 37, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that while working for the Heart Butte School District, Spotted Eagle embezzled funds by using school credit cards and purchase orders, presenting such orders to local grocery stores, and obtaining and using gift cards for her own personal benefit, none of which was authorized. While doing so, Spotted Eagle forged the name of school employees to cover up the fraudulent transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Weldon and Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.
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Broken Bow Man Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo, 38, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 11, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia-Urquizo to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia-Urquizo’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. However, he is also subject to immigration proceedings and faces deportation, having previously been found to be illegally in the United States.
In late 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and investigators with the CODE Drug Task Force discovered information about a subject picking up methamphetamine “in the middle of nowhere” and that the source of this methamphetamine was a Hispanic male in his late 30s or early 40s located in Broken Bow. In early 2024, CODE investigators would receive an anonymous tip that two Dawson County residents were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine that they received from a source located in Broken Bow.
CODE investigators began investigating the Dawson County subjects and observed that they were frequently leaving town in their vehicles and then returning and going to residences in Lexington that belonged to known drug users or areas of reported drug activity.
CODE then began conducting controlled buys. During one buy, the target advised he did not have methamphetamine with him and would be traveling to Broken Bow to get more. Investigators were able to conduct surveillance and ultimately identified Garcia-Urquizo as the likely source in Broken Bow. Through law enforcement investigation, the CODE investigators learned that an associate of Garcia-Urquizo would contact him and then meet up with Garcia-Urquizo at a rural intersection before returning to their respective places.
Investigators learned Garcia-Urquizo’s source and found he traveled to a specific location in Colorado to pick up his methamphetamine at a known drop location for methamphetamine brought directly from Mexico.
These cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes federal partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Brockton Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing multiple kilograms of narcotics intended for distribution as well as a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device.
Zairi Andrade, a/k/a “Z-Money,” 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy to eight years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In June 2025, Andrade pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Andrade’s residence was one of four locations searched pursuant to an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Brockton. It was determined that Andrade’s bedroom was being used as a stash location for a drug trafficking organization. In Andrade’s bedroom, over two kilograms of fentanyl and nearly two kilograms of cocaine, as well as a 9-millimeter Glock 17 handgun equipped with an apparent machinegun conversion device, laser sight and an extended magazine were located. A 50-round drum-style magazine, a second extended magazine, numerous rounds of ammunition, and various items associated with the mixing and packaging of narcotics were also located.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Apopka Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Keith Oelerich (62, Apopka) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Oelerich faces a minimum penalty of 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in December 2018, Oelerich, the owner of Empire Sheds and More, LLC (Empire Sheds), a portable storage shed company, entered into an agreement with a loan financing company. Under the agreement, Empire Sheds submitted to the loan financing company rent-to-own contracts between Empire Sheds and its customers for the rental and purchase of sheds. The loan financing company paid Empire Sheds the purchase price of the sheds, and Empire Sheds’ customers were required to pay the loan financing company regular monthly rental payments for the sheds under the terms of the rent-to-own agreements.
Between December 2018 and September 2023, Oelerich used other individuals’ personal identifiable information to create 1,043 false and fraudulent rent-to-own agreements and submitted those false and fraudulent agreements to the loan financing company. As a result, the loan financing company paid Oelerich a total of $17,964,680, the purchase prices of the sheds referenced in the agreements. Oelerich has agreed to forfeit $17,964,680, the proceeds he obtained as a result of his offenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey Bratt and Diane Hu.
Aiken Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Woman in Will SchemeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cody Lee Anderson, 38, of Aiken, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. His co-defendant, Thomas Allen Bateman, 51, also of Aiken, was also sentenced to two years in prison earlier this year.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that sometime during the pandemic, a will was executed by a woman in Aiken that purported to leave the entirety of her estate, which was worth approximately $20 million to co-conspirator Thomas Allen Bateman, Jr. Anderson was designated as the personal representative and stood to be paid a fee of 5%, or $1 million. Evidence developed during the investigation indicated the 88-year-old woman did not have the mental capacity to make an informed decision regarding the disposition of her assets.
United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. sentenced Anderson to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Bateman was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.
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5 Defendants Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Bicoastal Drug Trafficking Organization that Shipped Cocaine and Cash via AirRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Five defendants were arrested today on a 10-count federal superseding indictment alleging their participation in a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking organization (DTO) that used luxury private shipping companies to ship via air more than 20,000 kilograms (22.1 tons) of cocaine and more than $100 million in drug proceeds between Los Angeles and New York City.
Three defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York:
- Jamel Donald Levy, 52, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Bruce Adams, 50, of Bronx, New York; and
- Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, of Englewood, New Jersey.
Two other defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances and be arraigned this afternoon in Los Angeles federal court:
- Nohely Jimenez-Ruiz, 30, of downtown Los Angeles; and
- Lorna Martinez, 42, a.k.a. “Cookie,” also of downtown Los Angeles.
Among the defendants currently in federal custody are the alleged ringleaders, David Rodriguez, 45, a.k.a. “Gotti” and “Fat Boy,” of Dumont, New Jersey, and Raymond O’Connell, 39, a.k.a. “Sal” and “White Boy,” of the Manhattan borough of New York City. Rodriguez and O’Connell have been in federal custody since last year. Another defendant, Ronell Sweat, 47, of New York City, is serving a 15-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty last year to a federal firearms charge.
Rodriguez and O’Connell are charged with one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering. Eight other members of the DTO are charged in a superseding indictment returned on September 3.
According to the superseding indictment, Rodriguez and O’Connell over several years directed the purchase and storage of bulk quantities of cocaine in Los Angeles, for distribution on the East Coast. From an office fronting as a jewelry store in the California Jewelry Mart in downtown Los Angeles, members of the DTO shipped locked plastic cases concealing cocaine to New York City’s Diamond District using high-value freight forwarding companies. These companies specialize in shipping jewelry, precious metals, and fine art.
The cocaine was then redistributed by co-conspirators along the East Coast. Rodriguez and O’Connell also directed the shipment of drug proceeds from New York to Los Angeles, where co-conspirators laundered the money and sent it to others inside the organization.
Throughout this investigation, at least 1,300 parcels were shipped between Los Angeles and New York by the defendants’ DTO. More than 800 parcels concealing cocaine were shipped from Los Angeles to New York, with a declared weight of more than 22 tons, which would have an estimated wholesale value in Los Angeles of approximately $315 million. Approximately 500 parcels were shipped from New York to Los Angeles, with a total declared value of more than $105 million.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2.8 million in cash drug proceeds and more than 725 kilograms (nearly 1,600 pounds) of cocaine, as well as high-end cars and jewelry that defendants purchased using drug proceeds.
Law enforcement is looking for Daniel Vega, 52, a.k.a. “Nice,” and Gregory Antonio Benitez, 40, a.k.a. “G.,” both of New York City.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Rodriguez and O’Connell would face mandatory sentences of life in federal prison. The cocaine distribution charges carry a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The money laundering-related counts are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Marshals Service, the California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, and the Glendale Police Department as well the DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of special agents from the New York Division, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.
This investigation was led by the Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF), a DEA-led multi-agency task force within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Larocque and Jenna Williams of the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Victor Rodgers of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.
46-Month Sentence for Smuggling Switchblade, Fentanyl, and Phones into DC Jail while Awaiting Trial for HomicideRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darius Robertson, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 46-months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to smuggle weapons, fentanyl, and cell phones into the maximum-security Central Detention Facility (CDF) while he was awaiting trial for murder, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Robertson pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Previously, on June 6, 2025, Robertson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the October 2021 beating death of his cousin Andre Robertson. Sentencing on the voluntary manslaughter count is scheduled for November 7, 2025. The judge ruled that Robertson’s sentence in this case will run consecutive to the ultimate sentence on the voluntary manslaughter count.
Joining in the announcement were Director Tom Faust of the D.C. Department of Corrections, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2024, Robertson was being held in the facility, also known as the D.C. Jail, when he conspired with at two other detainees from the Clay Terrace neighborhood, two correctional officers, and two members of the community who delivered contraband to the jail.
Among the items the conspiracy attempted to smuggle into the CDF in February 2024 were one switchblade knife; an Apple iPhone and USB iPhone charger; two pairs of eyeglasses; a bundle of marijuana; tobacco; rolling papers; gambling dice; three sheets of bonded paper that were damp and contained a synthetic cannabinoid, MDMB-4en-PINACA—a Schedule I Controlled Substance; two plastic-wrapped packages of marijuana; and five individually wrapped packages containing approximately 100 cigarettes.
Following a series of smuggling incidents in July 2024, the Department of Corrections conducted a search for contraband and seized 269 blue pills which tested positive for fentanyl; 60 cigarettes soaked in an unknown liquid, 255 suboxone strips seven pieces of paper soaked in an unknown liquid; three cell phones; and a number of cigarettes.
Co-defendants who have pleaded guilty include LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C.
Vines was sentenced on March 7 to life plus 60 years in prison for the kidnappings and murders of two innocent victims in retaliation for a slaying in which the victims were not involved. On August 13, Vines was sentenced to an additional 46 months for his role in the smuggling scheme..
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services, and the Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.
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15 September 2025
Wisconsin Felon Who Held Woman at Gunpoint Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A felon who held a woman at gunpoint and threatened to kill her was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Mickey Lee Miller, age 38, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received the prison term after an April 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information in a plea agreement and at the sentencing hearing showed that on October 16, 2024, in Dubuque, Iowa, Miller pointed a loaded gun at a woman and threatened to kill her and others. Miller was taken into custody that night. On numerous occasions since October, Miller assaulted jail staff. Miller has a prior felony conviction for robbery with threat of force.
Miller was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Miller was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Miller is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-1008.
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Waterbury Teen Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing 21 Guns from Salem Store, CarjackingsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 19, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing firearms from a federally licensed gun dealer in Salem and committing two armed carjackings in Stamford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of March 15, 2024, Woods, Eduardo Cruz, and others drove a car into the entryway doors of Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem, and stole 21 firearms from the store. Later that day, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of three of the stolen firearms from Cruz and a juvenile in Waterbury. On March 18, 2024, investigators purchased another of the stolen firearms from Cruz, who arrived at the meeting location with two juveniles. Cruz was arrested at that time, and law enforcement recovered two additional stolen firearms, one that was carried by one of the juveniles, and one from Cruz’s vehicle.
On March 28, 2024, Woods committed two carjackings in Stamford. Later that day, Connecticut State Police found Woods seated in the driver’s seat in one of the stolen vehicles and took him into custody. Investigators recovered the other stolen vehicle in Waterbury, and a search of Woods’ residence revealed two of the stolen firearms.
Thirteen of the stolen firearms are still missing.
Woods has been detained since his arrest. On June 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, two counts of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Cruz pleaded guilty and, on June 9, 2025, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial Districts of Waterbury, New London, and Stamford-Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
Vienna man convicted for travelling to Colombia for commercial sex with a minorRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Vienna man on Sept. 12 on charges of sex trafficking of a child and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Nov. 1, 2024, Michael Jamie Inofuentes, 45, a U.S. citizen with residences in Virginia and Colombia, flew into Miami International Airport on a return flight from Colombia, where he was flagged for secondary inspection based on suspicious payments he made to an individual suspected of engaging in child sex trafficking in Colombia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a border search of Inofuentes and his belongings. During inspection of his two cellphones, agents identified messages between Inofuentes and a 15-year-old Colombian girl that indicated commercial sex. The victim informed Inofuentes that she was a minor, and they discussed meeting at a hotel in Medellin for sex and negotiated a price. Several months later, the victim informed Inofuentes that she was pregnant and they discussed the possibility of Inofuentes’ paternity.
Inofuentes initially denied having sex with the victim but later admitted to a sexual relationship. Inofuentes also admitted that he has children in Colombia and the mother was a minor when he impregnated her. Inofuentes was allowed to return home after the interview. Three days later, on Nov. 4, 2024, Inofuentes attempted to board a flight at Dulles International Airport to travel to Colombia. He was stopped on the jet bridge and taken to secondary inspection. He admitted that he offered the victim money for sex at a hotel.
Inofuentes faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, when sentenced on Jan. 15, 2026. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles accepted the verdict.
The HSI Miami Field Office provided valuable and significant assistance in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Halper and Laura D. Withers are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-5.
Uintah Basin Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Travis Davies, 47, of Vernal, Utah, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after he trafficked narcotics, including hundreds of blue fentanyl pills in the District of Utah.
On June 5, 2025, Davies pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and admissions made at Davies’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 9, 2024, law enforcement seized 296 blue fentanyl pills (33 grams) during an executed search warrant at his residence in Vernal. Law enforcement also seized a digital scale, and several small plastic baggies.
Additionally, according to court documents, Davies is known to law enforcement as a distributor of fentanyl and was caught with pills while on pretrial release for multiple other drug trafficking cases. He has also obstructed justice while under investigation for drug trafficking cases.
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Settlement with Chicago Pharmacy for Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today announced a civil settlement with a Chicago pharmacy to resolve alleged violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
The alleged violations by Allcare Discount Pharmacy in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood enabled the diversion of opioids from the pharmacy over an extended period. An inspection and audit by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration found that Allcare failed to keep adequate records pertaining to the receipt and disposition of various controlled substances, including hydrocodone-acetaminophen and alprazolam. The DEA determined that Allcare also failed to provide effective controls and procedures to prevent theft and diversion of controlled substances.
From 2015 to 2017, two Allcare pharmacy techs conspired to steal more than 56,000 pills of hydrocodone and sell them outside the pharmacy. One of the techs concealed the theft by falsifying the pharmacy’s inventory to make it look like the pills had either not been received from the distributor or had been dispensed to patients. The techs pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and were sentenced in 2019 to prison terms of five years and one year.
Under the terms of the civil settlement, Allcare will pay a $250,000 penalty to the United States. Allcare also successfully fulfilled its obligations under a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA that required the pharmacy to maintain complete and accurate records pertaining to the receipt and sale of controlled substances. The settlement is not an admission of liability by Allcare, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded.
The settlement was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Shane Catone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division. The civil case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Pharmacies must take their responsibilities under the Controlled Substances Act seriously and comply with security protocols and proper oversight to prevent diversion of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to enforce full compliance with the Controlled Substances Act and protect our communities from the dangers of opioid diversion and abuse.”
allcare_discount_pharmacy_settlement_agreement_fully_executed.final_-_readable_copy.pdfTwo Men in Utah Facing Federal Drug Charges After Law Enforcement Seize Approximately 100,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging two Utah residents, one of which is a Honduran national who lacks legal status in the United States. The defendants are charged with a federal drug crime after approximately 100,000 individual field-tested fentanyl pills were seized by law enforcement during an executed search warrant.
Elvin Isaac Vega Zuniga, 19, an undocumented Honduran national, and Andrew Estefan Valle Acosta, 19, both living in West Valley City, Utah, were charged by complaint on September 4, 2025.
According to court documents, since May 2025, agents with the FBI and the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force have been investigating a drug trafficking organization. During a controlled purchase of fentanyl, agents identified a residence in West Valley City that the organization was allegedly using to distribute fentanyl. On September 2, 2025, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the West Valley City residence and agents seized approximately 100,000 individual pills, which field-tested positive for fentanyl.
Additionally, Vega Zuniga is in the United States illegally and was found by ICE in 2023. He was notified at that time of his illegal status and given a “notice to appear” in his immigration case. Despite being aware of his pending removal proceedings, Vega Zuniga engaged in the trafficking of fentanyl.
Vega Zuniga and Valle Acosta are charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for September 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Orange County Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Ronald E. Hubbard, Jr. (38, Apopka) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison and Douglas E. Arnett, Jr. (33, Orlando) to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Bradley D. Burch (35, Apopka) was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in the drug conspiracy and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. All three pleaded guilty in May 2025.
According to the plea agreements and court documents, throughout 2023, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine from Burch. For at least some of those transactions, Hubbard, Arnett, or both supplied the drugs to Burch to sell to the undercover agents. Over the course of the conspiracy, the group distributed nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures. Additionally, during some of these transactions, Burch had a firearm nearby or in his waistband.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Men Charged with Gunpoint Robbery of Apple Products Delivery Truck, Related OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JOSE MIGUEL MERCADO, 32, JEAN GONZALEZ PAULINO, 31, and DAURY RODRIGUEZ CONTRERAS, 22, each a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, have been charged with federal offenses related to their alleged involvement in the gunpoint robbery of a delivery truck containing Apple products in Manchester.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 25, 2025, Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez, committed a gunpoint robbery of the driver of a delivery truck after he stopped at a commuter lot in Manchester before a scheduled delivery of a shipment of Apple products to an Apple store in South Windsor. Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez stole approximately $316,753 in Apple phones, tablets, and other accessories during the robbery, and approximately $1,000 in cash from the driver. After the theft, Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez traveled to a location in Wethersfield where they discarded clothing, a license plate, and other items into a dumpster. They then traveled to the Bronx, New York, where they unloaded items stolen during the robbery. Many of the stolen items were subsequently registered by New York residents and activated.
It is further alleged that a vehicle used in the robbery had been rented by Gonzalez in Massachusetts through Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing platform. After the vehicle was returned on March 26, 2025, and being cleaned, the vehicle’s owners found a box containing an Apple charging cable that appeared to be new.
Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez were arrested on federal criminal complaints on August 21, 2025.
On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging each defendant with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez, who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S., have been detained since their arrests. Mercado is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Hartford federal court. Gonzalez and Rodriguez were arraigned and entered not guilty pleas on September 11, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being led by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Manchester Police Department, the Wethersfield Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Lawrence (Mass.) Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Westchester County (N.Y.) Department of Public Safety’s Real Time Crime Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Texas Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Enticing A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Receiving Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced James Anthony Davila (21, Texas) to 10 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and receiving child sex abuse material. Davila will also be required to register as a sex offender. Davila pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025.
According to court documents, Davila met a 12-year-old girl online while playing a video game. The two continued to communicate and exchanged sexually explicit photos. Davila later drove from Texas to Florida to pick up the child and engage in sexual acts with her.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Midway (Florida) Police Department and Johnson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Indicted for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Antwohn Wilson (38, Tampa) with producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted on all counts, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Wilson that the United States intends to forfeit a camera, cellphone and SD cards, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense.
According to the indictment, on April 27 and February 23, 2023, Wilson produced and attempted to produce CSAM in the Middle District of Florida. From an unknown date until June 26, 2025, Wilson possessed CSAM, including material depicting minors under the age of 12.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Southwest Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia man, who volunteered with local youth and worked on a college campus, admitted in federal court to distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online and is facing up to 20 years in prison for his crime.
Andrew Brent Darbyshire, 45, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, also known as child sexual assault material (CSAM), before Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on September 10, 2025. Darbyshire faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment to be followed by a minimum of five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Darbyshire will have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. His sentencing date is currently set for Jan. 8, 2026.
“It is deeply disturbing whenever adults who work or volunteer with young people are found to be possessing or distributing child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are dedicated to seeking justice for victims of child exploitation and holding predators accountable for their crimes.”
“This case highlights the relentless dedication of Homeland Security Investigations to protecting children from those who exploit their innocence. The actions of this individual are a betrayal of trust and a grave violation of the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue predators who engage in these horrific crimes and ensure they are held accountable. Let this serve as a stark reminder: no matter where you hide or how you operate, HSI will find you, and justice will prevail.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, federal investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tacoma, Washington, discovered an online account which was controlled by a suspect in a separate child exploitation case in February 2024. The website contained various sub-channels based on categories of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). By May 2024, the website had about 658 members and approximately 5,700 files of child pornography being actively shared throughout the channel and sub-channels.
One of the active members had a username “@teen_lover21.” HSI Tacoma tracked down the IP address, internet provider and phone number for the username, which turned out to be Darbyshire. As a result, in November 2024, HSI Tacoma reached out to HSI Atlanta’s Child Exploitation and Cyber Investigations Group (CECIG) about Darbyshire. Investigators learned Darbyshire worked at Albany State University (ASU) in maintenance and was involved in local organizations, including volunteering at a local high school and Boy Scouts.
On Nov. 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant of his residence, seizing two cell phones. One cell phone contained 112 images and 195 videos of CSAM depicting prepubescent females between the ages of three and ten years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adult males. The other phone had various social media links, including the website investigated by HSI. That phone also contained about 945 images and 22 videos of prepubescent females between the ages of three and ten years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adult males. Darbyshire received and shared CSAM on the website and, specifically to this case, he distributed a digital media file that depicted prepubescent females engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by HSI Atlanta’s Child Exploitation and Cyber Investigations Group (CECIG) with assistance from HSI Tacoma, Washington, and the Washington State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Lim is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 4 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 8, 2025.
Lamont Victor Garrett, 52, was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garrett was indicted for Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025.
Garrett possessed ammunition in his residence in Sioux Falls on August 21, 2024. The ammunition was discovered when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence. Garrett is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of his previous felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Garrett was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Self-proclaimed “Mayor of Bissonnet” sentenced to 10 years for sex crimesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 58-year-old registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of a woman across state lines to engage in prostitution and failing to comply with requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Paul Edwards Evans aka Blue Diamond pleaded guilty May 29.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now sentenced Evans to a total of 120 months in prison. In imposing the sentence, the court considered Evans had inducted two family members into the family business which involved the trafficking of women to engage in commercial sex acts.
The crimes took place in the Bissonnet street area of Houston and in various other cities between Texas and California including Las Vegas, Nevada.
The “blade” or “track” is an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston where pimps and traffickers commonly place their victims to engage in commercial sex.
As a registered sex offender, he was also required to notify authorities when traveling from state to state. However, as part of his plea, he admitted that he failed to do so.
Evans will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case.
The FBI and Houston Police Department (HPD) conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) with the assistance of the Santa Barbara, California, Police Department.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of HPD, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
San Diego Man Who Twice Illegally Landed Airplane on Navy Base, Stole Truck and Damaged Gates Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Diego man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges and admitted that he twice illegally landed a small airplane on a United States Navy airstrip on San Clemente Island, then stole a Navy truck and used it to damage gates on the island, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Andrew Kyle White, 37, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government property in excess of $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of illegal entry into a naval installation. White has been in federal custody after he violated the terms of his bond by cutting off his ankle bracelet earlier this year.
San Clemente Island is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy and is part of Naval Base Coronado. According to White’s plea agreement, White knew it was illegal to travel to or access San Clemente Island without first obtaining permission from the Navy or a government official with authority to grant such access.
On October 29, 2023, White flew a Glastar airplane to San Clemente Island and landed the plane on a U.S. Navy airstrip without the Navy’s permission. At the time, White received, acknowledged, and signed a letter that notified him that it was a federal crime to travel to San Clemente Island without the Navy’s permission and instructed him not to return to the island.
On April 6, 2025, White again flew the Glastar airplane to San Clemente Island and landed it on a naval airstrip without permission. While on the island, White stole a white Ford F-150 truck worth approximately $16,000 and which was the property of the U.S. Navy.
After stealing the truck, White drove it to various locations on San Clemente Island, including locations that were blocked by locked gates. To gain access to those locations, White used the truck to damage the gates, causing approximately $8,077 in damages and costs to tow the truck.
Navy officials estimate that White’s intrusion onto the base cost nearly 500 man-hours and resulted in a $500,000 loss to the American taxpayer.
“Whatever [White’s] intentions were, the military did not know them; they responded as one might expect the military to respond to an unknown threat: they assumed the worst,” prosecutors argued in court documents. “The island went on a complete lockdown. Personnel engaged in a highly dangerous mission to locate the unknown intruder(s) notwithstanding the dangers they were exposing themselves too, from the weather, the terrain, and the potential unexploded ordnances that could have been underfoot in that area.”
United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a September 29 sentencing hearing, at which time White will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and up to six months in federal prison for illegally entering a naval installation.
United States Attorney’s Office Investigators investigated this matter with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the U.S. Navy Security Forces, and the San Diego Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the General Crimes Section and Ian V. Yanniello of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with Covid-Related Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Roosevelt Gulley III, 41, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, from July through September 2020, Gulley participated in a Covid-fraud scheme targeting the Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit program administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). He collected personally identifiable information, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and other information, and electronically submitted fraudulent applications for UI benefits to the California EDD in those persons’ identities. He electronically submitted at least 79 of these fraudulent applications to California EDD, which resulted in UI benefits debit cards being mailed to addresses he listed in the fraudulent applications. Gulley then retrieved the debit cards and removed money from them at various ATMs. The government alleges that the actual loss attributed to this fraudulent scheme was more than $575,000, with an intended loss exceeding $1.5 million.
“Roosevelt Gulley collected the personally identifiable information of individuals without their knowledge to fraudulently collect unemployment insurance benefits intended for American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Quentin Heiden, Special-Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “I would like to thank the Eastern District of California and the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force for their continued efforts to hold accountable those who committed pandemic-related fraud.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the California EDD’s Investigation Division, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow is prosecuting the case.
Gulley is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. Gulley faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and a mandatory additional sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.
Robbery Spree on the Metropolitan Branch Trail Yields 27 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jalique Wiseman, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today, in Superior Court, to 27 years in prison, for a spree of robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Wiseman pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025, to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of robbery. The Honorable Judge Jennifer Di Toro, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, sentenced Wiseman to five years for each armed robbery and four years for each robbery to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 27 years’ incarceration. A three-year term of supervised release will follow his term of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, between October 2, 2023, and November 23, 2023, Wiseman robbed multiple people on six separate instances on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trail, using either physical violence or at gunpoint, taking the victims’ cell phones and other property. Wiseman demanded the victims’ passcodes and used that information to access the victims’ financial accounts to transfer money to accounts that Wiseman and his codefendant controlled.
Wiseman was arrested on November 29, 2023, and he has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt., who prosecuted the case.
Repeat Felon Convicted at Trial for Illegal Gun and Drug SalesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —LaClarence Lamarcus Anderson, 42, of Columbia, has been convicted by a federal jury following two days of trial. Anderson was found guilty on 12 counts of gun and drug trafficking offenses.
Evidence introduced at trial showed that on four separate occasions over about three weeks in 2024, Anderson sold drugs and guns he was not legally allowed to possess. On the first occasion, he sold a pistol, methamphetamine, and cocaine. On the second, he sold two pistols, cocaine, and crack cocaine. On the third, he sold a pistol, a rifle, and cocaine. And on the fourth, he sold three pistols, an AR-style-rifle, methamphetamine, and cocaine. He also sold a pistol with a switch on it. Switches convert semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. Evidence showed Anderson used the gun sales to further his drug trafficking.
Federal law prohibits Anderson from possessing firearms based on previous convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, armed robbery, burglary, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted person, resisting arrest, and an unlawful weapons sale.
Anderson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life on his four convictions for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years on four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum sentence of 20 years on four counts of drug distribution.
He also faces a fine of up to $1 million and five years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie presided over the trial and will sentence Anderson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle Klein and Kathleen Stoughton are prosecuting the case.
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Plant City Drug Dealer Who Imported Glock Switches from China Convicted of Drug Distribution, Possessing Machinegun, and Other Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Phillip Michael Valeriani (42, Plant City) guilty of possessing cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute it. Valeriani was also adjudicated guilty prior to trial for possessing a machinegun, a silencer, and a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty on all counts of 75 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Valeriani used a fictitious name to order 63 Glock Switch components from China concealed inside a toy car box, which were seized at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A search of Valeriani’s Plant City residence revealed a machinegun, a silencer, a rifle, and dozens of firearms components. Also found inside the house were distribution quantities of marijuana and crack cocaine as well as FBI and DEA raid jackets.
Testimony at trial also revealed that Valeriani was a prolific marijuana and cocaine trafficker. In February 2024, at the same Plant City residence, drug traffickers robbed Valeriani and stole distribution quantities of marijuana, $4,000 in cash, and firearms. On May 12, 2024, Valeriani flew into the Tampa International Airport from Medford, Oregon with 64 pounds of marijuana inside three suitcases. Authorities also seized 112 grams of cocaine during a prior traffic stop for which Valeriani took responsibility.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Plant City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tampa International Airport Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Old Town Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Penobscot CountyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Old Town man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court records, between January and April 2021, Alan Dziob, 44, conspired with others to distribute the drugs in the Penobscot County area and elsewhere. As part of the conspiracy, Dziob regularly supplied drugs to a local dealer to sell for him.
Dziob faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He also faces a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Somerset County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Joshua Kahanek, age 44, was sentenced today after entering a guilty plea to one count of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. Kahanek entered his guilty plea on May 21, 2025.
According to court documents, Kahanek was convicted of Rape in the First Degree in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008. Kahanek was sentenced to 20 years in prison and was released from prison on April 11, 2022. Kahanek’s conviction required him to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Kahanek executed multiple forms with his SORNA officer in Oklahoma throughout 2022-2024 in which he acknowledged his duties and responsibilities to register as a sex offender. Those forms included his duty to register in any jurisdiction in which he was employed. On June 7, 2024, the Foley PD and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office received a report about Kahanek being in the Southern District of Alabama. Mobile Police Department located Kahanek working on the premises of a Target store in Mobile. Kahanek was working with a company that would install fiber optic cables at Target stores. Kahanek had not registered as a sex offender in Alabama.
At sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Beaverstock imposed a time-served and a 5-year term of supervised release. Kahanek had been in custody since his arrest on March 6, 2025. During his term of supervised release, Kahanek will be subject to sex offender treatment, substance abuse testing and treatment, and mental health treatment. Kahanek will be required to register as a sex offender. Kahanek was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments.
The United States Marshals Service, Foley Police Department, Mobile Police Department, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources